Foreign Minister Valtonen discusses Finland’s objectives for UN Human Rights Council’s 57th session with civil society representatives

This is the last time during its membership period 2022–2024 that Finland will participate as a Member in the regular session of the UN Human Rights Council. In accordance with established practice, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs invited the representatives of the civil society to exchange views on Finland’s objectives and priorities for the upcoming session. The Human Rights Council (HRC) is the UN’s most important intergovernmental body promoting and protecting human rights. The HRC’s 57th session started on 9 September and ends on 11 October.

Nearly 40 civil society representatives attended the hearing on 2 September. Minister Elina Valtonen took part in the discussion and answered questions put by civil society organisations (CSOs). At the event, the participants discussed, among other topics, the rights of girls and women in Afghanistan, the weakened status of sexual and gender minorities, the impacts of climate change and the human rights situation in Russia, in Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and in Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Defending rules-based international system is a cornerstone of our human rights work

Minister Valtonen stressed that defending the rules-based international system and respecting international law are the cornerstones of Finland’s actions, including in human rights work. “Unfortunately, not everyone sees the importance of human rights in the same way as Finland does. However, for the most of us, human rights have importance in ensuring the wellbeing of individuals and society,” the Minister said in her opening remarks.

Minister Valtonen highlighted human distress and violations of rights in Afghanistan, Sudan and Gaza as well as in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and in Russia and Belarus. Several CSOs expressed concern for the state of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan in particular. The Minister emphasised that Finland is actively working to ensure that the EU resolution on Afghanistan will send a strong message in favour of respecting these rights. While the upcoming session’s agenda includes no separate dialogue on the situation in the Palestinian territory, the conflict in the Middle East will be discussed at the Council. The Minister said that Finland is consistently advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages in the war in Gaza.

Keeping Russia’s poor human rights situation on the HRC's agenda is a key priority for Finland. Finland supports the important work of the Special Rapporteur and will present a resolution on Russia together with its partner countries. The Minister also talked about Finland’s other initiatives at the session and the report on the truth and reconciliation process concerning the Sámi people, written by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence.

When Finland becomes an Observer State of the HRC at the beginning of next year, it will continue to work on its human rights priorities and the results achieved during its membership period. The Minister said that dialogue with the civil society and CSOs will continue after Finland’s membership period expires, including during Finland’s incoming OSCE Chairpersonship. A separate discussion on the results and assessment of Finland’s three-year HRC membership will be held at the turn of the year.

Climate change may make it even more difficult for girls to attend school

Several CSOs pointed out the deteriorating situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. By constantly tightening up laws, the Taliban is repressing women and restricting their lives, thus gradually eliminating them from public life. Gender-based violence is all the more prevalent in wars and conflicts. Several speakers highlighted their grave concern for the narrowing space sexual and gender minorities in Russia.

Climate change is one of the most serious crises affecting humanity, and it also has a major impact on the achievement of gender equality. CSOs stressed that especially girls’ access to education is at risk because of the direct and indirect impacts of climate change. Progressing climate change is also a threat to food security and to the right to a clean environment. Speakers also highlighted the importance of defending children’s rights in the midst of climate change and conflicts.

A key outcome during Finland’s membership period has been the promotion of the rights of intersex people. Representatives of the civil society also applauded this achievement. Under the direction of Finland, the UN adopted a position on the rights of these persons for the first time in spring 2024. The Minister emphasised that the status of intersex people will be kept on the agenda in all forums where work on human rights continues. Representatives of the Ministry said that Finland’s membership has also strengthened existing contacts and built new partnerships with various countries. Finland expects that strong cooperation will continue after the membership period.